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BAE SYSTEMS signs memorandum with EADS to develop flight control for MAKO aircraft family

18 Jun 2001

BAE Systems Controls today signed a memorandum of understanding with EADS (the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company) under which BAE Systems expressed its interest in developing the flight control system for EADS’ Mako aircraft family. The launch platform for the new aircraft family is a supersonic trainer and light combat aircraft that will be developed for the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defense.

Under the terms of the MOU, signed during a ceremony at the opening of the Paris Air Show, BAE Systems will study development of the aircraft’s flight control system, to include sensors, electronics, actuators, and support equipment. A prototype of the new aircraft is expected to fly in 2004.

“We are extremely pleased to join EADS on this milestone program,” said James Scanlon, Controls president. “Controls has a long history in military flight controls and looks forward to the opportunity to work with EADS and the UAE to develop this new generation of aircraft.”

The Mako is a family of aircraft that includes a single-engine Advanced Jet Trainer/Lead-in Fighter Trainer and a Light Combat Aircraft. Mako is currently in development by EADS for global sales, and will enter prototype development in 2002.

BAE Systems Controls has been working for three years with EADS and provided an engineering development station for flight and utilities controls last year.

BAE Systems is the truly global systems, defense and aerospace company, with annual sales of some $18 billion and more than 100,000 employees. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land, and space, with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE Systems designs and manufactures civil and military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems, and other defense products.

BAE Systems North America employs 22,000 people in the design, development, integration, manufacture, and support of a wide range of advanced aerospace products and intelligent electronic systems for government and commercial customers.

BAE Systems Controls, an operating unit of BAE Systems North America, is a leading supplier of electronic flight and engine controls for defense and commercial aircraft and launch vehicle applications. It also provides integrated avionics for aircraft applications and complete unmanned aerial vehicle systems and is a leader in electronic controls for the locomotive industry and the emerging hybrid-electric vehicle market. Controls operates facilities in Johnson City, New York; Santa Monica and Ontario, California; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Redmond, Washington.

EADS was formed in July 2000 following the merger of Aerospatiale Matra of France, Daimler Chrysler of Germany, and Construcciones Aeronuticas of Spain. EADS is the third-largest aerospace company in the world, with more than 88,000 employees.